Carsley passes first England test

Last updated : 01 September 2024 By Three Lions

Naming his first England mens' senior squad on Thursday since being appointed as interim head coach, Lee Carsley made a positive impression on the assembled media with the way he handled the step up in attention focused on himself.

A successful Nations League campaign could see a permanent switch from the under-21's for Carsley but results on the pitch may only form part of the judgement of the Football Association as they seek to find a successor to Gareth Southgate.

To that end, the FA may be looking at the verdict of some of those who were at the squad announcement.

On the BBC website, Phil McNulty said; 'Carsley, to his great credit, has ignored the temptation to play it safe post-Southgate.'

Writing in the Guardian, David Hytner hailed a 'polished performance' from the former Republic of Ireland international, while Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett believed that Carsley's 'credibility and enthusiasm' would make the FA 'sit up and take notice.'

The first test is passed, now Carsley will await the arrival of his squad for training this week ahead of Saturday's opener in Dublin and the Wembley clash with Finland on Tuesday 10th.